The Sandbox

Chapter One: Ladies Man

The light of day shone in through the bare window. Streams of light stretched across the floorboards and bed. A figure laid hazardously across the white sheets, tangled in a mess worse than the hair on his head. The pale skin of his naked back almost glowed in the sunlight as the dreamer breathed deeply. John Smith'd been up late again, working on a project that was neither here nor there. It was simply supposed to occupy his time, and mind. Which it most certainly had done, and well. He had been up to an ungodly hour that he knew he'd regret in the morning. And as the alarm clock beside his bed blared into the silence of morning, he knew he'd been right.

John groaned and rolled over as he covered his head with his pillow. Of course, that didn't stop the blaring of the alarm. He sighed, all the air escaping his body in a rush. John hated that alarm clock. He'd never needed one, not for years. She had always been his alarm clock. Bringing him tea in the morning, lightly opening the drapes and stroking back his floppy fringe.

John stood up on the bed immediately and stumbled to the edge. He slammed his hand down in the relative area of the alarm. Swore. Then opened his eyes and made sure he actually hit the damn thing that time. He did and was promptly blinded by the sunlight from outside. She'd taken the blinds. No — he'd taken them, and thrown them in the trash. Then he'd proceeded to do the same to all the carpets and rugs. Hardwood flooring only. That was his motto now. Nothing domestic. Domestic would simply not do. John covered his eyes to keep out the sun, but all it really did was help him fall off the bed. A dull thud could be heard throughout the apartment. Not a good day. John thought, not a good day at all.

After he showered, things seemed to look up a bit. He whistled as he went about the cluttered apartment. That was definitely a pro since the divorce. Before he hadn't even been allowed to dabble in the machines around the house or try to make improvements. She'd always nagged him when he tried to be inventive. Said it was closer to destructive. "Blow up one microwave." John mumbled to himself as he looked through the mail.

Not a single letter from her. Not even a postcard. He sighed as he leaned against the counter. His eyes wandered to the left, to the picture frame that sat on the table by the entrance to the apartment. She really had been beautiful, hadn't she? Gorgeous blonde hair, perfect complexion. Everything about her had been perfect. He'd been the problem. He knew it, he wouldn't deny it. And despite how much he missed his ex-wife everyday, John Smith knew he would also never regret it.

He'd almost died. About a year back there'd been an accident in a building he'd been touring for his company. They were looking into investing some projects when some pipe's had burst and almost flooded the entire basement, with John in it. Donna had saved him, just in time too. A near death experience does something to you. Something John himself hadn't understood, but he felt like he'd woken up. Dogmatic slumber behind and new horizons ahead.

At first, John had just begun inventing again. Which the wife of course hated. Hated clutter, prototypes, half made messes, anything to do with that. She couldn't stand it. John wouldn't be held back though, not anymore. That accident had been the catalyst that his life needed. He was finally awake. It was just a shame his wife couldn't have woken up with him.

John went over to the table near the door and checked his hair in the mirror. He ran his hands over the long strands, slicked back and proper. Then he fixed his black tie, buttoned his suit jacket and grabbed the keys from the broken and glued back together bowl.

The drive wasn't far to the diner and when he entered the checker tiled and vinyl covered establishment, he saw his friend instantly. Rory Williams was a good mate. One John had had since university. He'd been the best man at Rory's wedding. John smiled and waved at the blonde who stood and shook his hand. He'd picked their usual booth, the one that was far from the jukebox, but still maintained a healthy distance from the kitchen doors.

"Mornin' John." Rory greeted with a smile.

John greeted him back as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down across from his friend. He glanced around the establishment then raised a brow at Rory. "K not joining us then?" John picked up a napkin and laid it across his knee then set about fixing a tea, which he was happy to see Rory had been astute enough to order already.

Rory took a sip from his own tea. "Nah, don't really think so. I had dinner with him last night and he said something about going for a scotch later." John and Rory both raised an eyebrow at each other. They knew what that meant. K was nothing if not a ladies man. Rory rubbed his forehead and sighed. "I really wish he'd just settle down."

John snorted. "Because that went so well last time?" They both made a face. K and John had grown up together, went to school together. They'd been best friends for what felt like a century, and when they'd met Rory the man had simply fallen into place with them. The three had become near inseparable since.

Rory studied his friend. "You look tired." Concern laced his voice.

John rolled his eyes. Rory always thought that John was a step away from breaking down over his ex. Despite John's protestations, Rory felt the other man wasn't expressing himself emotionally enough. John felt if he wanted more emotional advice he'd get married again. "I'm fine Rory. I was simply up late working on a project."

Rory's brows furrowed. "The screwdriver."

John rolled his eyes again. Blimey, the man was a doctor and yet he couldn't get the most basic things. "It's a sonic screwdriver. And no. Something new, actually."

"Another? Don't you think you should finish a project before you start another?"

John gave Rory a look that had him checking for dribble on his shirt. "Really Rory, what's the point in setting my mind on one task when it can easily cover fifteen or twenty?"

Rory snorted lightly. John Smith's modesty never ceased to amaze him. He took another sip of his tea, looking past John as he did. "Looks like we do have another guest after all." John swivelled around, nearly knocking over the teapot before Rory moved it, and smiled at K. The handsome blonde smiled charmingly at the two and swaggered over to their booth. He grabbed a chair from a table, much to the shock of the family he hadn't asked, and flipped it around so the backrest was in the front. K swung his leg around the chair and straddled it. He glanced at Rory amusingly as the man apologized profusely to the family behind him. Rory turned back around and glared at K. "Honestly, do you have any manners at all?"

John flipped open the newspaper as his two friends picked up an old squabble. Rory glanced to him for support, but quickly realized that he would find none. Rory picked up his tea, resigned.

K smirked and snuck the tea out of Rory's hands. "Actually, no. I don't." He took a sip of the tea and quickly spat it back into the teacup. "My god what is that?"

Rory glared at the man. "It's tea."

"With poison."

John flipped to the next page of the newspaper. "It's called milk and sugar."

K looked aghast. "It's called arsenic." He went to take John's tea but the man picked it up without even looking.

"You'll find more poison in mine." He glanced at K and took a sip of his tea. John spit it back into the cup awkwardly and hissed in a breath. "Hot." He supplied and set the tea back down. He stuck his tongue out every few seconds to cool it off.

K leaned against the back of the chair, his sleepless state finally peeking through. "Whatever happened to a good old Irish coffee?"

Rory glanced distastefully at his tea. "Suppose it went the way of the tea." He glanced at K. "Spat out by unappreciative, hungover, ruffians."

K bit out a short amused laugh. "Ruffian? Did you really just call me a ruffian?" Rory blushed and floundered for something to say. K grabbed John's arm, and his attention too. "Be careful Jimmy, I think Pops is goin' t'a get the belt out."

John rolled his eyes and set his paper down. "Leave him alone K."

K's eyebrows shot sky high. "Why? Something happen with the Missus? Did she finally decide to leave you for someone worth her time." K winked, indicating exactly who he thought was worth her time.

Rory leaned across the table and stuck a finger in K's face. "You leave my wife alone. Just because you couldn't keep your wife happy doesn't mean I can't keep mine."

K's face went dark. John watched his friend carefully as Rory slowly eased away, unnerved. It was moments like that that had Rory and John questioning why Lucy had left K. And by left they meant shot him and then herself. Though, she hadn't actually killed K, she'd put him in a coma and in the hospital for a good year. K smiled, his eyes were still dark, but he smiled. "Never mind. I was thinking of taking a crack at John's new secretary anyways." And just like that, all the tension dissipated from the tiny booth.

John groaned. "Leave Clara alone, K."

K pouted like a little boy. "Oh come on, John." He leaned towards his pal. "Have you seen her? Clueless, sure, but beautiful."

John glowered at K. "Clara is very clever, thank you very much. She's actually quite brilliant, sharp mind. And funny. She can make a joke."

K nodded. "Yes, and she's completely smitten with you, so ask her out. Or. I. Will." Rory raised an eyebrow and looked between the two. He hadn't heard anything about this new secretary until now.

John spluttered as he tried to think of something to say. "I — well, you — No." He huffed. "I won't be coerced," he gestured with his hands in a manner that he clearly thought meant 'coerced', "into dating some woman. Especially not someone I work with. It is completely inappropriate and I just won't do it." He took a sip of his tea. This time he did not spit it back out.

K made a face. Already bored of the topic. "Are we making plans this afternoon? Or evening?"

Rory shrugged. "I'm free again. Amy's really pushing to finish her next novel. So the more time I spend out of the house and out of her way, the better. John?"

John frowned. "I would, but I Donna wanted to talk to me and god knows what that means. She could have me booked with plans for the next week and a half and I'd never know."

K smiled fondly. "Brilliant woman, Donna Noble." Rory laughed and nodded in agreement. "I'd love to see what she'd do with real power."

Rory raised an eyebrow. "She's a woman that's head of human resources. I'd say that's power enough for her wouldn't you?" K rolled his eyes but said nothing. "Really K, it's 1961, what do you expect? She's already made an amazing thing of herself."

John shrugged. "Well it's Donna. She could do anything. She's brilliant." They each smiled. "Right!" They pulled out their wallets and split the bill for tea as they got up to make their way out of the diner. "Let me know what plans you make. Hopefully I can go."

Rory nodded and held the door open for the other two. "I'll call you on my lunch." He informed K. "We'll figure it out then."

K buttoned his suit jacket and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Well I've got meetings around London all morning. Leave a note with my secretary and I'll see what I can do about getting a hold of you later." John and K shook hands with Rory then headed off to John's car.

K's eyes slid over the bright blue exterior. It wasn't dingy or cluttered, a bit like John's home. K was certain that was only because John didn't like to mix work and home. Home was his cluttered usual self, work was a much more professional side to him.

John frowned at K over the hood of the car, door open. "What's wrong?"

K glanced up at him, slightly surprised. "I — What make is your car?" "I'm sorry?" John couldn't have heard him right.

"Your car." K asked again. "What make is it? What model?"

John shook his head, flabbergasted. "I — I don't know. Never really asked, why?" K opened the car door without answering and got in. John's brows furrowed but he got in the car and headed to work.

John and K owned an Investment Company together. They'd opened it not long after graduating. K and John had both come from money and opening the company had been easy enough. John handled the more technology based investments, anything to do with inventors or science, math, anything really that K hated. K tended to deal with the art, music, and theatre. They later hired someone else to handle general investments, ones that neither of the two really wanted to deal with. The company was going strong, had been since they established it almost six years ago.

"Are you taking a company car to your meetings?" John asked K as he drove them to the building not far from the diner. They could have walked, but it was hot out on summer days like today, and K would have complained the entire time. John glanced at K, who hadn't answered him. The blonde was staring at John's car with an intense curiosity. "Are you still goin' on about my car?"

K looked up at him. "I've never seen any other like it."

John rolled his eyes. "And that's a bad thing?"

K stared at John silently, for so long that John began to shift in his seat uncomfortably. "Where did you buy it?" K finally asked.

John frowned at his friend. "Are you alright?"

K's curiosity slipped off his face in a second and he was staring out the front window. "I'm fine." John glanced over a K, and continued to do so the rest of the short drive. K ignored him and stayed silent the entire time. He refused to explain himself.

When they reached the four storey building, John parked the car in the employee section. One of K's assistants, a beautiful black haired woman was waiting for him by a company car. He walked towards her and she opened the door. He slid in, her after, and the driver drove out of the lot. John stood by his car and stared confusedly at the black car as it quickly disappeared. Not even a goodbye? John ran his hand's through his hair, smoothing it down. He shook his head, trying to get K's odd behaviour out of it. He closed the car door and locked it up. John paused, staring at the car as he tried to see what K had seen. It was a normal enough car. Make, model, colour — sure a bit vibrant but K was used to that. John shrugged and headed into the building.

The first floor was a florist shop, the second was for Smith and K Investments. John actually didn't even know what was on the third and fourth floors, he'd never really bothered to check. He took the side entrance, bypassing the florist and took the elevator up to the second floor.

Clara greeted him the second the elevator's slid open. She held out a handful of folder's and took his briefcase. "Mornin' Mr. Smith!"

John inclined his head in a form of greeting. "Miss. Oswald." He walked down the hall and further onto the floor. It was a well decorated office, with warm colours and hard wood floors. Elegant and sophisticated, K had put a lot of work into making it presentable for high end clients.

Clara walked quickly to keep up with John as he made his way to the back of the floor, near his office. "You've got two meetings today, but they were both rescheduled for later in the week."

John stopped and turned to Clara. "Who rescheduled them?" Clara looked down at the ground. The toe of her bright red heel squeaked a bit on the wood flooring. "Miss. Oswald?"

Clara sighed. "Fine. But I'm not allowed to get in trouble." John said nothing, but waited for her to explain. Clara looked around the floor and then let out in a rush, "Donna did it she said she needs to talk to you and since you always do that avoidance thing when it comes to women so it could take all day." Clara bit her lip and hurried away, not wanting to take the brunt of John's anger.

John stood where he was and considered the floor, right where Clara had been standing. He wasn't too surprised Donna had done that. She'd said she wanted to talk to him. And really, he was more surprised it had taken her so long. One year since his wife left, Donna had certainly let him move on in his own time. John straightened up and headed towards his office where he knew Donna would be waiting. Clearly, his own time was long over.

John stepped through the already open door to his office. He glanced at the sofa to the right, which held a one Donna Noble. She was tall, red haired and had a temper that could out do possibly even Rory's wife, Amy. "Good Morning Donna."

Donna smiled at him and poured a cup of tea from the set that had been placed on the glass table. "John." She never called him Mr. Smith. He wasn't sure if it was a lack of respect, or because of respect, but he didn't push it. Donna Noble was not a woman you pushed around.

John set the files that Clara had given him on his desk, noting that she had already put his briefcase there as well. He turned around and leaned against the desk, he crossed his arms and watched Donna as she poured him a cup of tea. Her hair was done up and curled, similar to what all the ladies were wearing these days. John's gaze wandered about the couch and table and quickly realized she had no papers with her or anything else to indicate their meeting involved work. John rubbed his eyes, feeling very tired all of a sudden. She could have at least pretended they were going to be productive.

"Alright, mate." Donna started after she'd poured them both some tea. "Now I'm not goin' to be subtle because I know it'd be useless and you probably wouldn't understand."

John groaned. "Donna."

"No." She looked pointedly at him, face stern, and he instantly stopped talking. "It's been a year, no — it's been over a year. And I think it's about time that you started dating again."

John shook his head, already done with the conversation. "Donna, I hardly think that is any of your business."

"You are one of my best friends John, I rather think that makes it my business." The man frowned and shoved his hand into his pockets. Then pulled them out and crossed his arms again. He changed position three more times before Donna pointed to the chair beside the couch. "Sit." She ordered. He did. She set a plate of Jammy Dodgers in front of him, which he failed to resist. She was buttering him up, he knew it. But damn him, he loved a good Jammy Dodger. "I've set you up on a date."

"Donna."

She continued as if he hadn't said a word. "You'll be meetin' her at a restaurant today for lunch."

"Donna."

She took a sip of her tea. "I already made a reservation, so you better not stand her up, yeah?" She gave him another stern look. John sighed and nodded. Donna smiled and glanced at her watch. "Great! Leave here early, pick up some flowers and don't you dare be late. The information is on your desk." With that Donna picked up her tea and headed to the door. She stopped and turned back to him, a proud smile on her face. "See? Look at that. Completely painless. Like rippin' off a band-aid." Work finished, Donna Noble went back to her office and got to work.

John slouched back in his seat, defeated. "Painless." He let out a humourless laugh. "Painless for who?" He pulled himself up and brought his tea to his desk as he sat down to work.

It was a little while later, almost eleven, when John heard the giggles. He tried to ignore them and focus on his work, but eventually he just couldn't stand it anymore. John got up and stormed out of his office to find K sitting on the edge of Clara's desk. He was leaning towards her, telling her some story and the petite brunette was eating it up. John rolled his eyes.

"K." He groaned. Clara jumped and blushed. K lounged back and grinned at his friend. He really was quite charming, John had to admit. K always had been. Growing up, K could get whatever he wanted, whenever. Things hadn't changed in the past few years, and John doubted they ever would. "Leave my secretary alone, for god's sake."

"Sorry John." K said sounding the least bit sorry. "But how could I resist?" He gestured to Clara who grinned at him. "Besides, what are you even still doing here? I thought you had a date." He winked and John could have killed Donna. Of course she told K. Clara glanced at her boss, a small frown in place. John caught it out of the corner of his eye. Oh no, he thought, she didn't really fancy him did she? Her hurt expression said it all.

John glared at K. He grabbed his suit jacket and wallet as he raced out of his office. K followed him to the elevator. "Now remember to pull her chair out for her. But don't let her fall to the ground. And don't stumble over your feet, or your words."

John looked sidelong at K. "I have gone on dates before, K."

K nodded. "Yes you have. And with how they usually turn out, I'm surprised you ever got married." John rolled his eyes, though he was in silent agreement with his friend. How he ever managed to catch his ex-wife was beyond him. Granted, he couldn't keep her, but that was really besides the point.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. K clapped John on the back. "Have fun." John entered the elevator. K smiled proudly and wiped away a nonexistent tear. "They grow up so fast."

The doors were just sliding shut as John suddenly blurted out. "And stay away from my secretary!" John could hear K's laughter through the closed doors of the elevator. He ran his hands through his hair, already worried about that problem.

John shook his hands and straightened his shoulders, trying to get all those problems out of his head. He threw on his suit jacket, buttoned it, and placed his wallet in his back pocket. Flowers, Donna had said something about getting flowers. When the elevator opened, John exited the building then walked around to the front entrance of the florist shop.

It was a little rustic, with faded green wood panels and old white painted wrought iron shelves. But it was open and bright with huge windows and wonderful display cases. Just outside were large pots filled with overflowing flowers and some sort of green ivy-like plant. Inside the shop smelt gorgeous, the wrought iron shelves were covered with differing flowers and scents. There was a section for individual flowers, where one could make their own bouquet. An old wood sign hung above, illustrating the fact. There were also pre made designs, simple bouquets, large extravagant ones like the ones in front of the shop. John blinked a few times, surprised by how simple and yet stunning the place was.

The door swung shut behind him, ringing a few chimes as it did. John paused and glanced up at them. Strings tied to keys, and other metal knickknacks hung by the door. An odd wind chime, certainly, but it seemed to fit easily with the whole feel of the shop.

"Can I help you?"

John froze. He wasn't sure what it was, why he did it, but that voice. John had never thought himself deprived, until he heard that voice. That was when he realized how truly empty he felt, had always felt. Until now.

John turned slowly, his mouth slightly parted. She was beautiful. Blonde, honey coloured hair and bright hazel eyes. She smiled at him and John's entire mind was instantly drawn to those beautiful lips. "Sir?"

John jumped. "Oh! Right. Sorry. I'm here to pick up some flowers? You sell them?"

The florist grinned, amused. "Yeah, on occasion." John laughed awkwardly. He pointed at her and raised his eyebrows, continuing to laugh awkwardly. The shop worker smiled politely, nodded once. "You okay, mate?" John dropped his hands and his awkward smile. He nodded. "Righ'" she dragged the word out, not really sure if he actually was okay, "I've got some pre made arrangements this way." She nodded towards another section of the store. John nodded and gave a thumbs up. The second the blonde turned around John smacked himself on the forehead. Stupid, stupid John, he scolded himself. He took a deep breath and followed the girl further into the shop.

"So what's the special occasion?" The blonde asked when John joined her.

John glanced at her. She was wearing a below the knee flow-y white dress. She looked like an angel. "A date." John stumbled out, unable to take his eyes off of her.

She smiled brilliantly at him and he swore his heart stopped. "Anniversary?"

John blinked, confused. "Wha'? No — no, first date. Sorry, I didn't catch your name." His eyes fell on a pretty bouquet with lavender and purple and white lilacs. "Oh! Those are pretty." He picked them up and shoved them in his face, breathing the scents in deeply. He sneezed.

"Rose." She said.

John frowned and turned to her. "Roses? For a first date? I don't know, sounds a bit too romantic. Especially for a lunch date — I mean dinner is one thing, but…"

"No." She interrupted with a laugh. "My name, Rose." She stuck out her hand. "Rose Tyler." John's breath caught. He dropped the bouquet and shook her hand exuberantly. He noticed her amused glance at the fallen bouquet and gasped as he quickly picked them up. John glanced at them, looked up at Rose, then shoved them towards her. She took them and smiled up at him, her long lashes fluttering.

That's when John realized she was staring at him expectantly. "Oh! John, John Smith."

Rose's eyes widened ever so slightly. She took a deep breath. "'S nice to meet you, Mr. Smith."

"And you Mrs. Tyler."

"Just Miss."

"Miss. Tyler." He amended. They stared at each other for a bit, neither saying anything. He took a breath and looked at the other arrangements before him. "Maybe something more yellow?"

Rose blinked and looked at the arrangements too. John was picking up a yellow bouquet with sunflowers and little white daisies. Rose set the purple bouquet she was holding back into a green tub filled with water at the bottom. "Yellow is nice. Bit more friendly than romantic though. Something more white, or red maybe?" John glanced at the flowers, considering. Chimes sounded as the front door to the store opened up. Rose glanced towards the cash, where a customer was walking up to. "I'll just be a moment." She told John. "I'll leave you to it."

John watched her leave. He turned back to the selection of flowers. Rose Tyler. She was… something. A breath escaped him through clenched teeth. Right, he thought, flowers. Back on track, because Donna would kill him if he were late for his date. John glanced towards the cash where Rose was laughing with a customer. He suddenly realized he was fine with dating, maybe he could even… No. He was buying flowers for a date at the shop she works at. Asking her out would not be well received, at all. However… John glanced at the flowers one last time then headed to the cash.

Rose finished ringing up the customers flowers. A preordered arrangement for an anniversary. She smiled at John when he stepped up to the counter. "Picked one?"

"Yup!" He set the yellow bouquet on the counter.

She rang it into her antique cash register. "Decided to go with the yellow then?" Rose smiled at him, her tongue poking out between her teeth.

John shrugged. "I don't really see the date going all too well."

Rose frowned as he handed her a bill. "Why not?" She gave him his change and leaned against the counter.

John resisted the erg to lean in too, to close the distance between them. "It seems my mind might be preoccupied with other… things."

Rose's eyes widened and her cheeks turned pink. She handed him his flowers. "Have a nice day Mr. Smith."

John nodded at her and took the flowers. "And you Miss. Tyler." He grinned and walked out of the flower shop. A feeling of loss, one he never even realized he'd had, was suddenly gone.

K waltzed into John's office at precisely 5pm. He knocked on the door to announce his presence and plopped into a chair across the desk from John. "So, free for dinner tonight? Turns out Amy finished her novel and she's having everyone over to celebrate. I'm bringing Clara as my date." K winked at John who groaned and rubbed his hands down his face.

"You just won't let up? Will you?"

K stretched and crossed his legs. "Probably not." He leaned forward abruptly. "Speaking of dates…" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "How'd yours go, player?"

John did not look amused. "Not well." He packed away some files and got ready to go home. "I don't know what Donna was thinking setting me up with a widow who is still clearly grieving." John shuddered. "It just… no." K made a face and laughed. John glared at him.

"Well that's disappointing." John didn't reply, he simply picked up his keys and shrugged on his suit jacket. "Especially since Donna and Amy are both expecting you to bring someone along."

John froze. "I'm sorry?" K smirked. "What? They thought I'd bring Joan after one date? Are they mad?"

K smiled and stood up. "Probably, but best not mention it to them." He patted John on the arm.

"Well what am I supposed to do?" K shrugged and headed towards the door. "And where are you going? Don't you need a ride?"

K smirked. "Clara's giving me a ride. And don't worry, I wholly intend to return the favour." He winked at his friend and left. John shook his head knowing that he really needed to do something about that, and soon.

John closed the door to his office behind him and headed out. A date. Another date. If he didn't bring someone, then Amy and Donna were going to eat him alive. He was just heading out to his car when the thought came to him. Crazy. He knew it was crazy, but really, what other choice did he have?

He rushed to the door of the flower shop and almost cried out he was so relieved to find it still open. He swung the door open and rushed in, the chimes above announcing his entrance.

"Sorry mate! Just closing up!" Rose called from the back of the shop.

"That's alright." John responded. "I wasn't really looking for flowers." Rose walked out from the back of the shop and came around the counter. She smiled curiously at John. "Just a particular one." He whispered to himself.

"John? What are you doing here?"

John wrung his hands nervously. "I — ah, I need your help." Rose cocked her head to the side, but said nothing. "You see, my friends are having this dinner tonight, and I need a date."

Rose raised an eyebrow and smiled amusingly. "Didn't you just have a date."

"Yeah but it didn't really go too well." He took a step forward. "I would very much appreciate it if you were — my… Date?"

Rose laughed lightly. "Tha's really sweet of you John. But I'm really jus' not datin' right now."

John dropped his head. "No, of course." He shook his head. "I was being silly." Rose stepped towards him, an apology on her lips, but John spoke first. "Another bouquet then? Maybe that'll ease the anger of my overbearing friends."

Rose smiled. "Another pre maid?"

John shook his head. "No. Something beautiful, one of a kind. Miss. Tyler, make me the most beautiful bouquet to ever leave this shop."

Rose smiled. "Call me Rose." Before he could respond, she moved towards the Make Your Own Bouquet section. Her hands moved quickly as she plucked various flowers together. When she was finished, she tied it together with a thick white ribbon. She handed it to John.

He inspected it, curious. It wasn't what he was expecting. Half bloomed soft yellow roses mixed with fully bloomed fat pink ones, filled with light blue hyacinths. Pink, yellow, and blue.

"Do you like it?" Rose asked hopefully.

John looked up at her, and couldn't help smiling at the look on her face. "Of course. I'm a little curious at the colour choice though. Bit odd." He followed her to the cash register where she rang up the purchase.

She glanced at the bouquet, smiling fondly. "Someone very special used to say I was pink and yellow. I guess it just stuck with me."

John glanced at the flowers, feeling even happier that she'd picked something personal to her. "And the blue?"

Rose's smile widened into a happy grin. "Wha's wrong with blue? Best colour in the world, blue."

John laughed. "I couldn't agree more." He finished paying for the flowers and took another long look at them. He glanced back up at Rose. "You know, you work in a flower shop. But how often does anyone ever buy you flowers?" He handed the bouquet to her. "Have a good night, Rose."

With that, John turned around and headed for the door.

"John wait!" He paused and looked back to Rose. She'd moved around the counter, but was still holding those flowers. Looking down at them once more, she made her decision. "How late will we be?"

John smiled.

John glanced over at Rose once more. He couldn't really believe that he'd actually done what he did. He asked her out. Properly asked her out. And if he did say so himself, he'd been quite smooth.
Rose had put the bouquet in the back of the shop, presumably in a vase with water, then she'd come back out and locked the store up. John quickly realized that Rose didn't have a car, so they didn't need to worry about that. He opened the door for her and waited as she slid in.

He got into the drivers side and turned on the ignition. Rose was looking at the interior of his car curiously. John glanced at her questioningly. "Nice car." Was all she said. John nodded once then headed out of the parking lot. "So you're friends?"

"Oh! Yes." He fought a nervous laugh. "I should probably prepare you."

"Prepare me?" Rose laughed. "What have I gotten myself into?"

John laughed with her, though his was much more forced. He swallowed. "It's Amy and Rory's house. Amy just finished her latest novel and is having a bit of a celebratory dinner. I've known Amy and Rory since University." John sniffed. "Amy used to fancy me."

Rose raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm sure."

John glanced at her. He coughed and cleared his throat, then continued. "K will be there too. I've known him since childhood. He's bringing along Clara." At this, John rolled his eyes. "My secretary." He almost growled. Rose bit back a smile. "And then of course there's Donna. She might bring someone. I don't really know what Donna does."

Rose nodded. "Alright. Good to know."

John grimaced. "You should also know… Mainly because it'll probably be mentioned. I'm divorced… And I only just started dating again. So…"

Rose nodded again. "No problem."

John glanced at her. "What about you? What should I know about Rose Tyler?" John smirked, oh that sounded good. Rose must have thought so too, because she hummed and smiled softly.

"Well… Not much to know. I own the flower shop now. Was born an' raised in London. Travelled a lot when I was younger. Still do… but I'm takin' a break of sorts right now." Rose tapped a random rhythm out on her thighs as she watched the street lights past by.

John glanced at her. "Why the stop?"

Rose leaned her head against the window and sighed. "At first it was just family. Settlin' down." She looked sidelong at him. "I was married. But he passed away."

"I'm sorry."

Rose smiled wanly at him. "'S alright. I mean, I miss him. Everyday I do. But, he would've want me to live a fantastic life. Actually, I know he did. Told me 'imself." Rose nodded. "Anyways. Travelled for a bit more after that, but… I'm just — stuck, now. Yeah," she nodded, considering the word, "stuck."

John nodded. "I know what you mean. Felt a bit stuck myself for years." He grinned at her. "Woke up recently. Best thing to happen to me." Rose smiled at him, but it didn't reach her eyes. Her eyes were searching, calculating. She was looking for something inside of him, and whatever it was, John desperately hoped she'd find it.

John pulled up into the drive of a quaint suburban home. He turned off the ignition and stared at the brightly lit home through the windshield. "We're here."

Rose let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Alright then." They climbed out of the car and walked up to the front door. Rose glanced at the mailbox, which read 'Williams'. Rose glanced at John who looked beyond nervous. She smiled encouragingly. "Allons-y!"

John grinned. "Geronimo!"

He knocked on the door.

The door was thrown open and a very stormy looking ginger opened it up. "You, raggedy man, are late!" The Scottish woman's eyes zeroed in on the blonde at John's side and she brightened instantly. "Hi! I'm Amy." She held out her hand and Rose shook it. She was pretty, Rose decided. Gorgeous really. The top of her hair was pulled back into victory roles, and the rest left down and curled. It was very becoming of her, especially with the vibrant lipstick that was common these days. It was pretty dressed up too, especially in comparison to Rose's loose, natural curls and scant makeup.

"Rose. Nice ta meet you." Rose smiled brightly.

Amy pursed her lips and looked between her and John. She smiled and opened the door wider to let them in. "Everyone is through the hall to the back, in the dinning room." Rose entered first and John barely made it through the door before Amy pounced on him. "Oh my god John, she is gorgeous." Amy glanced at Rose's retreating back. "Is that who Donna set you up with today?"

John sidled past Amy and whispered. "Not quite." He rushed down the hall to escape Amy's fury and her loud, "What!?"

Rose was introducing herself to everyone when John entered the dinning room. "Hi everyone!" He greeted nervously. "Sorry we're late." He rubbed the back of his neck. "This is Rose. Rose…everyone." He gestured to the table of confused guests.

Amy rushed in after him and hissed into his ear. "This is so not over, John." John winced, knowing how true that fact was. "Right!" John said loudly and clapped his hands together. He looked pleadingly to Rory.

"Dinner sound good everyone?" He asked his guests. There were some nods, some sounds of agreement, and a sadistically amused smirk from K. "Right, be right back." He headed into the kitchen with his wife.

John saw Rose go to sit down beside Donna. He moved to stop her but was too late. He winced visibly and sat down next to the head of the table, where he desperately hoped Rory was sitting. Across from him was K who was stilling smirking. He raised his glass of wine to John and sipped the drink. John glared at him. Then he noticed Rose and Donna talking and his heart nearly stopped. Why on earth had he thought this would be a good idea?

Donna laughed, her usual loud cackle and Rose smiled and took a sip of her wine. John caught her eye and gave her a questioning look. She winked at him and smiled conspiratorially.

Rory and Amy came back into the room with platters and everyone began digging in. Rory did end up sitting between John and K, thankfully. The dinner went off relatively easy. Rose had single handedly won over Donna, which John would really love to know how. They'd been sitting next to each other for only minutes and Donna was putty in her hands. John glanced at Rose. Maybe she really was an angel.

Rose looked over at him, as if she knew he was thinking about her. She leaned towards him. "I really like you friends."

John smiled. A weight lifted off his chest. He hadn't even realized how much he had hoped she would. "I'm glad." He told her honestly. "Though I'd really like to know what you told Donna to make her like you so quickly."

"Oh… Just tha' you looked like a really lonely bloke and this was a pity date." His jaw dropped, mainly because he knew Donna would eat that up. Rose laughed and smiled at him, the good one with her tongue poking out between her teeth.

John let out a breath of relief. "Don't do that to me. Scared me to death."

Rose let out a forced laugh. She raise a hand to his wrist and checked his pule. John watched her face, and he wasn't sure but he could have sworn her eyes were gold for a second. She looked up at him. "Nope! Still beating. So either you're a very lucky man, or you've got nine lives."

John grinned and inclined his head in a manner he clearly thought was flirtatious. "Nah… More like thirteen." He paused and his brows furrowed, clearly confused by what he had said. He turned back to his dinner and continued to eat. Rose watched him for a moment longer then turned back to her own meal.

Amy had been watching them from across the table, her eyes narrowed the entire time. She leaned forward on the table, resting her elbows on either side of her dinner plate. "So Rose, what do you do?"

K smirked yet again. "Yes Rose, tell us. What do you do?"

Rose smiled at Amy, hoping to warm up to the hostess. "I own a flower shop."

Donna frowned. "You mean the one in our building?" Rose nodded as she continued to eat. Donna set down her fork and knife loudly, enough to have everyone at the table jump a bit. "Wait a minute. Are you telling me that John picked you up when he went ta go buy flowers for the date I set him up with?"

Clara gasped and Amy leaned toward John angrily. "John."

John raised his hands in self defence. "It's not like that. Honestly."

K wiped his mouth with his napkin and threw it down beside his plate. "Oh this is too good." Rory glared at him.

Rose laid a hand on John's arm. "Really," she said, "it's not like that at all. I swear." And almost just like that, everyone seemed to calm down. Or at least Donna did, which surprised everyone. Amy was still grumpy, but she backed down as well. John smiled gratefully at Rose.

Later, everyone had moved into the living room and were having tea and dessert. Rose was sitting by a small cushioned bench at the window with John. She smiled at him. "I'm glad I came tonight. I'm havin' a really great time."

John smiled sheepishly at the blonde. "I'm glad you came too."

Rose glanced at her watch. "It's gettin' rather late, though."

John glanced up at the clock and nodded. "And I did promise you back before the carriage turned into a pumpkin, didn't I?" Rose smiled. John stood and thanked Amy and Rory. "Got to get this one home." Rose apologized and thanked everyone for the lovely evening. When John shook K's hand, the man nodded towards Rose and raised his eyebrows. John frowned and looked to Rose. Understanding dawned on him and he gasped as he looked back to K. "Shush you." He scolded the man. K smirked and sat back down, completely unabashed.

John led Rose out of the house and the two quickly piled into his bright blue car. The doors closed and they both sighed. "Well…" John said.

Rose nodded and chuckled. "Yeah."

"It was rather like meeting the parents on the first date, wasn't it?" Rose turned and tried to stop the grin from spreading across her face. "Sorry 'bout that." She shrugged.

"No skin off my nose." Rose hesitated. "Though I don't doubt that Amy wouldn't mind jumping at the opportunity."

John started the car and backed out. "Yeaaah…" He coughed. "Sorry about that too. I really should have expected that reaction." Again, Rose shrugged. They drove in silence for a bit, talking about things that happened throughout the night here and there.

"So…" Rose started after a lengthly pause. "K seems… interestin'."

John winced. "Yeah, he's a bit of a… ruffian." Rose's brows furrowed at the word choice, but she didn't comment. "But, we grew up together, so I really can't complain. He's bailed me out of more problems then I'd like to count." John seemed to think on that statement, then added, "Most of which he originally got me into."

Rose laughed. "And where was that exactly? Where you two grew up that is?"

"Gallifrey." John said without a thought.

Rose raised an eyebrow. "And where's that exactly?"

John frowned. "Ireland, I think." Rose nodded but didn't comment. When they got close to her apartment she directed him along the roads. They stopped outside. It was a small building, within walking distance from the flower shop. "I think Clara lives in this building." John commented.

"Does she? I'll have to invite her over for tea."

John hummed in response. He looked at her. Really looked at her. With her hazel eyes that were more gold then green, and her honey coloured hair. And those lips. God he wanted to kiss her. "We should do this again." He said instead.

Rose smiled, and it lighted up the entire street. "We definitely should."

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

John smiled at that. He was glad at least one date went well. And this one, he really didn't want to end. Not because he knew Amy would be calling him non-stop until he got home and answered the phone, at which point she would proceed to hound him about Rose. No — it was Rose. There was something about her, something that made him want to grab hold of her and never let her go. He'd never felt that before. Not even with his ex-wife.

"G'night John."

"Good night, Rose Tyler."

She stepped out of the car and closed the door. She didn't move, not right away. First she waited for him to leave, she watched the tail lights disappear into the night. Rose sighed. Her heart was like a physical pain in her chest. And she couldn't determine if it was a good one, or a bad one.

Good she decided. It had to be good. After all, "It's him." She whispered to herself. "It's the Doctor."

Sorry for any formatting issues, they've (hopefully) been fixed.